Sound Conservatory brings new life to old Carnegie Library building

Beth Johnson looked over room after room at the Sound Conservatory’s new location in downtown Moline on Friday afternoon, Nov. 17. Ms. Johnson recalled how the Sound Conservatory got its start in downtown Rock Island and wishes it could still be in that community. But she loves the look of its new home at 504 […]

Beth Johnson looked over room after room at the Sound Conservatory’s new location in downtown Moline on Friday afternoon, Nov. 17. Ms. Johnson recalled how the Sound Conservatory got its start in downtown Rock Island and wishes it could still be in that community. But she loves the look of its new home at 504 17th St., in what was the Carnegie Library building and former Moline Public Library.

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“I’m so thrilled about this. … It’s wonderful to see this building saved and used for such a high purpose,” said Ms. Johnson. The Rock Island woman was one of more than 100 people who toured the Sound Conservatory’s new home during a grand opening – complete with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the historic building on a sunny, but chilly afternoon. During that ceremony, Andrzej Kozlowski, director and owner of the Sound Conservatory; City of Moline officials; and Moline Centre Manager Kirk Marske, (the organization supports downtown businesses and is administered by Renew Moline) thanked the many people and groups that made it possible for the music business to make a quick transition from downtown Rock Island to the classic old building in Moline. “Everyone pitched in to make this dream of being in this building a reality,” said Mr. Kozlowski during Friday’s ceremony. Others in attendance said they were especially pleased to see the old Carnegie Library building, which dates back to 1904 and served as the city’s until 2008, get new life and help spur life into downtown Moline. “To know this building comes alive again is something wonderful,” said Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. The mayor added that she was thankful for the crowd that gathered to help welcome the Sound Conservatory to the city. But added that she hopes the people in the crowd will tell their friends and family members about the music business. They need to do business at the Sound Conservatory and other nearby businesses, such as the Blackbox Theatre, and the nearby Spotlight Theatre. “Andrzej’s vision for this historic space is a wonderful complement to the other arts businesses and organizations calling Moline’s downtown home. As the Sound Conservatory joins 5th Avenue’s Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance and Blackbox Theatre, and the nearby Spotlight Theatre, we are truly creating a Heart of the Arts District in an organic and meaningful way,” Ms. Rayapati said in a news release before Friday’s events. Much of the grand opening celebration centered on people looking over the Sound Conservatory's new home. But its deep, rich history in the community also was on display during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Officials had a copy of the Moline Journal newspaper on display showing three stories from January 1904 about the opening of the library building. According to the publication, $70,000 was spent to build the library, which opened on Jan. 26, 1904. One stories stated that the first book checked out of the library was done by 11-year-old Clyde Parkhurst, who checked out “Wild Animals I Have Met.” “The history and aura of the Carnegie Library is awe-inspiring, and the building is a perfect fit for The Sound Conservatory. This venue is going to be phenomenal for our future and our growth,” Mr. Kozlowski said in the release. Even though there are still projects to do, much of the library has now been converted to fill the needs of a business that is all about music. One side of the building’s main level is a piano showroom and recital room, while the other side is retail space with a full line of instruments, musical gear, and accessories for sale. The second floor of the building is home to rooms for music lessons. Some of the features and items for sale on the first floor include:

• A Jupiter alto saxophone with its case for $599, plus tax.
• A Conn 1000B Student Trumpet with hard case for $590.
• A section filled with 16 pianos, ranging from a Kohler & Campbell Baby Grand to a Kawai Model 503F. (Those models and many others are listed for sale at the company’s website here.)
• There are also drums, drum sticks, guitars, sheet music piano lesson books and even Sound Conservatory T-shirts.
• The building is also filled with signs and decorations in support of the music world. A sign on the first floor, next to the pianos, states: “My neighbors listen to good music, whether they like it or not.” A sign on the second floor has the question: “Did you touch my drum set?” (That’s one of the standout lines from the movie “Step Brothers.”)

But before all those signs, musical instruments and accessories found a home in the Moline building, the Sound Conservatory went through a quick and unplanned move. The business was located in Rock Island and Mr. Kozlowski was in the process of buying a former longtime furniture showroom at 1600 2nd Ave. from its current owner, the YWCA Quad Cities. However, the Rock Island building needed some very expensive roof repairs. This summer, Mr. Kozlowski told the QCBJ  that if he couldn’t come up with $250,000 for the roof, he couldn't get a mortgage and he’d probably move his business elsewhere. The Sound Conservatory originally opened March 1, 2022, at 2235 3rd Ave., Rock Island, but outgrew the space within five months. Today, the business is in its third home, and Mr. Kozlowski said he loves it. But, he adds, there is more work that needs to be done in the former library building that still has leftovers from its proud past. For instance, there are still empty bookshelves on the first floor. And one of the doors near those shelves is labeled “Head of Main Library Services.” In the coming months, those old bookshelves will likely be removed to make room for a recital hall on the first floor of the building. That hall, which could seat about 280 people, could be done next March or April. Mr. Kozlowski is also looking at expanding music lessons and other educational programs for young people in the community. “There is always a need for more music. There is no such thing as too much music,” said Mr. Kozlowski. The Sound Conservatory is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Sundays by appointment.